Less cardio?? Unsure...

lesliev523
lesliev523 Posts: 366 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Right now I work out several times a week, at least 4 and sometimes up to 6 days a week. My work out usually consist of about 30-45 minutes of weight training, heavy lifting. I take a break for about 10 minutes than hop on an elliptical for about 45-60 minutes.

Well, I have had good results. I have some nice muscle definition, I have lost quite a bit of weight over the last year. The routine has been good to me.

BUT... over the last few months, I have noticed that I am no longer building muscle. I have definition, but I still think I look slightly "soft". I am also having a heck of a time losing the last bit of tummy flab. The last couple weeks, I have been pressed for time due to my kids school schedules. So I have been cutting back on the cardio. Well suddenly, my biceps are clearly defined. I am noticing my tummy getting flatter. I still walk my dogs several miles a week, but I was doing that on top of my daily date with the elliptical.

Should I consciously lighten up on my cardio? It makes me so nervous. I would love some thoughts and perspective here.

Thank you in advance!

Replies

  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    Everybody is different. So keep going while you cut back on cardio for a bit and see what happens. I would just recommend not cutting out all cardio since it's good for your health.

    ETA: Though do remember, the less cardio you do, the less exercise calories you'll have to eat. In case you aren't really a calorie counter.
  • lesliev523
    lesliev523 Posts: 366 Member
    Thank you. I have two large dogs that get several walks during the day, including one that is about 2.5 miles most evenings. So I will still be doing that. It is not HIIT, or anything that gets me winded, but I average about 3.5mph during those walks.
  • BigD06
    BigD06 Posts: 130 Member
    The best workout for a body is a different one......your body gets used to the same routine over and over......changing is up here and there is a very good thing........just vary it when you notice the reuslt stop......
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    How much weight have you lost? Have you recalculated your calorie needs at your lower body weight?
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    The best workout for a body is a different one......your body gets used to the same routine over and over......changing is up here and there is a very good thing........just vary it when you notice the reuslt stop......

    Speaking strictly about calorie burns and weight loss, this is true.
  • koing
    koing Posts: 179 Member
    BUT... over the last few months, I have noticed that I am no longer building muscle. I have definition, but I still think I look slightly "soft". I am also having a heck of a time losing the last bit of tummy flab. The last couple weeks, I have been pressed for time due to my kids school schedules. So I have been cutting back on the cardio. Well suddenly, my biceps are clearly defined. I am noticing my tummy getting flatter. I still walk my dogs several miles a week, but I was doing that on top of my daily date with the elliptical.

    Should I consciously lighten up on my cardio? It makes me so nervous. I would love some thoughts and perspective here.

    Thank you in advance!

    Probably because you were doing too much cardio and not getting enough recovery to build muscle. You also mention you walk your dogs daily so that should be enough for you. Maybe have one cardio session a week in the gym as well but cut down and see your results go.

    Koing
  • kinmad4it
    kinmad4it Posts: 185 Member
    It seems to be generally accepted on here that after the initial beginner phase, you can't really gain muscle whilst eating at a deficit.
  • lesliev523
    lesliev523 Posts: 366 Member


    Probably because you were doing too much cardio and not getting enough recovery to build muscle. You also mention you walk your dogs daily so that should be enough for you. Maybe have one cardio session a week in the gym as well but cut down and see your results go.

    Koing

    Thank you! This is very helpful. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

    And I am fully aware that eating at a deficit doesn't build muscle. I am kind of off the "diet" and counting calories track right now, which I should get back on. Yes I know. But right now, my goal is to have a very defined physique. I want to see muscle. Eventually my goal is to do a figure competition.

    I have lost about 40 lbs from my highest weight ever. I have Celiac Disease, so I am required to eat healthy. If I don't, I will literally pay for it for days.
  • lesliev523
    lesliev523 Posts: 366 Member
    bump... I would love to get some other opinions.
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    If you ask me, the less cardio the better. Cuz, like.... who would want to? lol!
  • mallen404
    mallen404 Posts: 266 Member
    you can't run off a bad diet.. how are you eating? are you eating small meals through out the day? Are you getting enough rest time?

    I personally find better results with weight lifting which is usually a circuit so I am getting in my cardio at the same time.
  • lesliev523
    lesliev523 Posts: 366 Member
    No on the small meals... and I occasionally give in to candy and wine.

    BUT - My normal meals consist of salad and protein. Sometimes I will have a protein shake if I am craving sweets that day,

    I am not UN happy with the way I look, I am pretty lean. But I just am looking to get more definition...

    You are definately right on the diet, though. That is a place I really need to clean up....

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